Display device

ABSTRACT

A display device includes a panel, a backlight, and an adhesive tape. The backlight is placed under the panel. The adhesive tape has a light blocking property and is bonded to an end face of the panel and the backlight.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 16/791,356, filed Feb. 14, 2020, which, in turn, is a Continuation of application Ser. No. 15/616,246, (now U.S. Pat. No. 10,606,108) filed Jun. 7, 2017, which claims the benefit of priority of the prior Japanese Patent Application No. 2016-134206, filed on Jul. 6, 2016, the entire contents of which are incorporated herein by reference.

FIELD

The embodiments discussed herein are related to a display device.

BACKGROUND

In recent years transmission type display devices have widely been used in smartphones, personal assistant devices (PADs), tablet computers, car navigation systems, and the like. A transmission type display device includes a liquid crystal panel and a backlight disposed (placed) on a rear surface side of the liquid crystal panel and irradiating the liquid crystal panel with light and displays an image by the use of the light with which the backlight irradiates the liquid crystal panel. With such a display device a technique for preventing light with which a backlight irradiates a liquid crystal panel from leaking out is proposed. Furthermore, with a display device a technique for fixing a backlight and a liquid crystal panel is proposed.

See, for example, U.S. Patent Application Publication No. 2015/0241731.

SUMMARY

According to an aspect, there is provided a display device including a panel, a backlight under the panel, and an adhesive tape having a light blocking property and bonded to an end face of the panel and the backlight.

The object and advantages of the invention will be realized and attained by means of the elements and combinations particularly pointed out in the claims.

It is to be understood that both the foregoing general description and the following detailed description are exemplary and explanatory and are not restrictive of the invention.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device according to a first embodiment;

FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of a liquid crystal panel in the first embodiment;

FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of a backlight in the first embodiment;

FIGS. 5A and 5B are fragmentary sectional views of the display device according to the first embodiment;

FIGS. 6A and 6B are fragmentary sectional views of modification 1 of the display device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of modification 2 of the display device according to the first embodiment;

FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of a display device according to a second embodiment;

FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of a display device according to a third embodiment;

FIGS. 10A and 10B are fragmentary sectional views of a display device according to a fourth embodiment; and

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view of a display device according to a fifth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF EMBODIMENTS

Embodiments will now be described with reference to the accompanying drawings.

Disclosed embodiments are simple examples. It is a matter of course that a proper change which suits the spirit of the invention and which will readily occur to those skilled in the art falls within the scope of the present invention. Furthermore, in order to make description clearer, the width, thickness, shape, or the like of each component may schematically be illustrated in the drawings compared with the real state. However, it is a simple example and the interpretation of the present invention is not restricted.

In addition, in the present invention and the drawings the same components that have already been described in previous drawings are marked with the same numerals and detailed descriptions of them may be omitted according to circumstances.

First Embodiment

First a display device according to a first embodiment will be described by the use of FIGS. 1 and 2. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device according to a first embodiment. FIG. 1 is a plan view of a display device viewed from the side of a front surface (surface on which an image is displayed). FIG. 2 is an exploded perspective view of the display device according to the first embodiment. In the following description of each component, it is assumed that a surface on a side (upper side in FIG. 2) of the display device on which an image is displayed is a front surface and that a surface on the opposite side (lower side in FIG. 2) of the front surface is a rear surface.

As illustrated in FIG. 2, a display device 10 is a transmission type display device and includes a cover 100, a bonding member 110, a liquid crystal panel (panel, hereinafter) 120, an adhesive tape 130, a backlight 140, and an adhesive tape 150.

The cover 100 has a rectangular shape whose four corners are rounded and covers a display screen 120 a, which is a front surface of the panel 120, to protect the display screen 120 a. Furthermore, the size of the cover 100 formed is such that the peripheral edge (outer edge) of the cover 100 protrudes out from the peripheral edge of the panel 120 in planar view.

The cover 100 is formed by the use of a glass plate or a transparent resin. The cover 100 includes a transmission section 101 and a frame-shaped light blocking section 102 by which the perimeter of the transmission section 101 is enclosed. The transmission section 101 is an area which transmits light, and is opposed to a display area 120 b of the panel 120. The light blocking section 102 is a light blocking area formed by locating a light blocking member which shields light on the rear surface side of the glass plate. The light blocking section 102 is also referred to as a frame area of the display device 10. The light blocking member may be disposed on the front surface side of the glass plate.

The bonding member 110 bonds the cover 100 and the display screen 120 a of the panel 120 together. The bonding member 110 has great transparency and an adhesive property (adhesion) and is ultraviolet curing resin or the like. The bonding member 110 is formed so as to have a rectangular shape in planar view.

The panel 120 is a display unit in the shape of a flat plate which displays an image. The panel 120 includes the display area 120 b on which an image is displayed, and a frame-shaped frame area 120 c by which the perimeter of the display area 120 b is enclosed. The panel 120 has the transmission display function of displaying (forming) an image on the display screen 120 a by selectively transmitting light emitted from the backlight 140 to the display area 120 b.

The panel 120 will now be described more concretely by the use of FIG. 3. FIG. 3 is an exploded perspective view of the liquid crystal panel in the first embodiment.

The panel 120 corresponds to a lateral electric field mode as a display mode in which a lateral electric field approximately parallel to the principal plane of a substrate is mainly utilized. The panel 120 may correspond to a longitudinal electric field mode in which a longitudinal electric field approximately perpendicular to the principal plane of the substrate is mainly utilized.

The panel 120 includes an upper substrate 121, a lower substrate 122, a polarizer 123, a polarizer 124, and drive control flexible printed circuits (FPC) 125.

The upper substrate 121 and the lower substrate 122 are paired and liquid crystal is put between them. The upper substrate 121 is a flat plate having a rectangular shape. For example, red (R), green (G), and blue (B) color filters corresponding to pixels are formed on the upper substrate 121. The lower substrate 122 is a flat plate having a rectangular shape. A thin-film transistor and the like are formed on the lower substrate 122.

The polarizer 123 is stuck to the upper substrate 121 in a state in which the polarizer 123 is disposed on the front surface side of the upper substrate 121. The polarizer 123 polarizes light that is then output from the panel 120. The polarizer 124 is stuck to the lower substrate 122 in a state in which the polarizer 124 is disposed on the rear surface side of the lower substrate 122. The polarizer 124 polarizes light entering the panel 120.

The drive control FPC 125 is a circuit board on which an integrated circuit, such as an IC chip, and the like are mounted and which supplies a signal needed for driving the panel 120. The drive control FPC 125 is stuck to the lower substrate 122 and extends from one side of the lower substrate 122 in planar view. On the basis of a signal supplied from the drive control FPC 125, the panel 120 selectively transmits light emitted from the backlight 140 to the display area 120 b to display an image on the display screen 120 a. The description will return to FIGS. 1 and 2.

The adhesive tape 130 is placed between the panel 120 and the backlight 140. The adhesive tape 130 is a double-sided tape which bonds the panel 120 and the backlight 140 together to fix them. The adhesive tape 130 has a light blocking property by, for example, making a base material black, and has the shape of a frame. This means that a portion of the adhesive tape 130 corresponding to the display area 120 b is open. That is to say, the adhesive tape 130 bonds (fixes) the panel 120 and the backlight 140 together in planar view in an area placed under the frame area 120 c.

The backlight 140 is placed on the rear surface side of the panel 120 and outputs light to the rear surface of the panel 120 corresponding to the display area 120 b.

The adhesive tape 150 is a tape having a light blocking property. The adhesive tape 150 is bonded to an end face of the panel 120 to bond (fix) the backlight 140 and the panel 120 together.

The backlight 140 and the adhesive tape 150 will now be described concretely by the use of FIG. 4. FIG. 4 is an exploded perspective view of the backlight in the first embodiment.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the backlight 140 includes a light guide 141, light sources 142 a to 142 h, a light source control FPC 143, optical sheets 144 to 146, a frame 147, and a reflector 148.

The light sources 142 a to 142 h are placed on the FPC 143 in a state in which the light sources 142 a to 142 h are aligned. Each of the light sources 142 a to 142 h emits light toward an end face (hereinafter referred to as the light entrance surface) of the light guide 141. The light sources 142 a to 142 h are light emitting diodes (LEDs).

The light source control FPC 143 is a circuit board which supplies signals needed for the light sources 142 a to 142 h placed along the light entrance surface of the light guide 141. Part of the FPC 143 extends in planar view in a direction in which the distance from the light guide 141 increases. The extending portion extends outside the frame 147 in a state in which the backlight 140 is assembled. On the basis of signals supplied from the FPC 143, the backlight 140 controls the light sources 142 a to 142 h to adjust light entering the light guide 141. As a result, the rear surface of the panel 120 is irradiated with light of desired intensity.

The light guide 141 has a rectangular shape in planar view. The light sources 142 a to 142 h are opposed to the light entrance surface of the light guide 141. The light guide 141 diffuses light from each light source entering the light guide 141 from the light entrance surface and outputs light from a front surface (hereinafter referred to as the light output surface). Furthermore, the light from the light output surface enters the panel 120 from the rear surface via the optical sheets 144 to 146. The light entrance surface is placed on the side on which the drive control FPC 125 of the panel 120 is placed.

The optical sheets 144 to 146 are transparent optical members placed on the light output surface side of the light guide 141 and adjust the optical characteristics of light output from the light guide 141. For example, the optical sheet 144 is a diffuser and the optical sheets 145 and 146 are prism sheets.

The frame 147 has the shape of a rectangular frame and is placed so as to enclose the perimeters of the light guide 141, the light sources 142 a to 142 h, the FPC 143, and the optical sheets 144 to 146. The frame 147 is bonded to the reflector 148 with the adhesive tape 150 placed between the frame 147 and the reflector 148.

The frame 147 has a stepped shape (also referred to as an L shape). That is to say, its lower portion protrudes out from its upper portion to an inner periphery side in a cross-sectional view. Furthermore, in a state in which the backlight 140 is assembled, the lower portion of the frame 147 is opposed to the end face of the light guide 141 and the upper portion of the frame 147 is opposed to end faces of the optical sheets 144 to 146. The optical sheets 144 to 146 extend to a position where the optical sheets 144 to 146 are situated over the lower portion of the frame 147 in planar view.

The adhesive tape 150 is a double-sided tape having the shape of a rectangular frame. The adhesive tape 150 includes a pair of a short side 154 along the FPC 143 and a short side 152 parallel to the short side 154 and a pair of long sides 151 and 153 which connect end portions of the pair of short sides 152 and 154. Furthermore, the width of the pair of long sides 151 and 153 is greater than that of the pair of short sides 152 and 154. Before the display device 10 is assembled, the pair of long sides 151 and 153 extend outside the backlight 140 as illustrated in FIG. 2.

The reflector 148 is placed on the rear surface side of the light guide 141 and is placed over the entire surface of the frame 147 and the entire surface of the light guide 141 in planar view. The reflector 148 returns light from the light guide 141 to the light guide 141. The reflector 148 has the functions of reflection, diffusion, scattering, and the like. As a result, light entering the light guide 141 from each of the light sources 142 a to 142 h is efficiently utilized. Furthermore, the reflector 148 contributes to an increase in the intensity of light emitted from the backlight 140.

The reflector 148 is, for example, foamed polyethylene terephthalate (PET). A silver-evaporated film, a multilayer reflection film, white PET, or the like may be used as the reflector 148.

As has been described, with the backlight 140 the reflector 148 is bonded to the frame 147 with the adhesive tape 150 therebetween. A case whose upper portion is open is formed by the reflector 148 and the frame 147. Furthermore, the light guide 141, the light sources 142 a to 142 h, the light source control FPC 143, and the optical sheets 144 to 146 are housed in the case formed of the reflector 148 and the frame 147.

The structure of a section of the display device will now be described. FIGS. 5A and 5B are fragmentary sectional views of the display device according to the first embodiment. FIG. 5A is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrow A-A of FIG. 1. FIG. 5B is a sectional view taken in the direction of the arrow B-B of FIG. 1. In order to simplify figures, partial sections are illustrated, excluding the cover 100 and the bonding member 110.

A section of a left side portion (see FIG. 1) of the display device 10 has the same bonding structure that a section of the A-A portion (right side portion in FIG. 1) of the display device 10 has. Furthermore, a section of a lower side portion (see FIG. 1) of the display device 10 may have the same bonding structure that a section of the B-B portion (upper side portion in FIG. 1) of the display device 10 has.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, with the display device 10 an end face of the backlight 140 protrudes out from an end face of the panel 120. As a result, there is a level difference between the end face of the panel 120 and the end face of the backlight 140.

As illustrated in FIG. 5A, the long side 151 of the adhesive tape 150 placed in the right side portion of the display device 10 includes a first bonding area 151 a and a second bonding area 151 b. The first bonding area 151 a and the second bonding area 151 b are integrally formed. Furthermore, with the display device 10 the first bonding area 151 a and the second bonding area 151 b are placed in regular positions by bending the long side 151 at the border between the first bonding area 151 a and the second bonding area 151 b. Positions where the first bonding area 151 a and the second bonding area 151 b are placed will now be described concretely.

The first bonding area 151 a is placed between the frame 147 and the reflector 148 to bond (fix) the frame 147 and the reflector 148 together.

An end portion of the first bonding area 151 a on the opposite side of the second bonding area 151 b is placed in a position where the frame 147 is situated in planar view over the end portion of the first bonding area 151 a on the opposite side of the second bonding area 151 b. Furthermore, the width of the first bonding area 151 a formed is set so as to meet needed bonding strength (fixing strength).

The second bonding area 151 b includes a bonding portion 151 b 1 on the panel side bonded to the end face of the panel 120, a bonding portion 151 b 2 on the light guide side bonded to the end face of the light guide 141, and a connection portion 151 b 3 which connects the bonding portion 151 b 1 and the bonding portion 151 b 2. Furthermore, the connection portion 151 b 3 is placed so as to fall from the bonding portion 151 b 1 to the bonding portion 151 b 2. As a result, the second bonding area 151 b covers the level difference between the end face of the panel 120 and the end face of the backlight 140. Furthermore, the connection portion 151 b 3 of the second bonding area 151 b is opposed to the frame 147 of the backlight 140 and the polarizer 124 with a determined clearance (space) therebetween. In view of these respects, it is desirable to eliminate adhesive force from an inner face of the connection portion 151 b 3 opposed to the frame 147 and the like. However, there may be cases where adhesive force is not eliminated from the inner face of the connection portion 151 b 3.

In addition, the second bonding area 151 b extends from end faces of the upper substrate 121 and the lower substrate 122 (hereinafter referred to as the pair of substrates 121 and 122). A portion of the second bonding area 151 b extending from the end faces of the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122. Furthermore, an end face of the portion of the second bonding area 151 b bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is opposed to an end face of the polarizer 123. In this state, the portion of the second bonding area 151 b bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is bonded to a peripheral edge portion (portion not covered with the polarizer 123) of a front surface of the upper substrate 121.

The portion of the second bonding area 151 b bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is equal to or smaller than the polarizer 123 in thickness.

As illustrated in FIG. 5B, on the other hand, the short side 152 of the adhesive tape 150 placed in the upper side portion of the display device 10 includes a first bonding area 152 a.

The first bonding area 152 a is placed between the frame 147 and the reflector 148 to bond (fix) the frame 147 and the reflector 148 together.

The first bonding area 152 a is placed in a position where the frame 147 is placed in planar view over the whole of the first bonding area 152 a. Furthermore, the width of the first bonding area 152 a formed is set so as to meet needed bonding strength (fixing strength).

As has been described, with the display device 10 the adhesive tape 150 having a light blocking property is bonded to the end face of the panel 120. This prevents light from leaking out from the end face of the panel 120.

Furthermore, the adhesive tape 150 is bonded not only to the end face of the panel 120 but also to the front surface of the upper substrate 121. This increases a bonding area. In addition, the adhesive tape 150 is bonded to the panel 120 not only in the vertical direction but also in the horizontal direction of FIGS. 5A and 5B. As a result, the adhesive tape 150 is difficult to peel from the panel 120.

Moreover, with the display device 10 the panel 120 and the backlight 140 are bonded together (fixed) not only with the adhesive tape 130 but also with the adhesive tape 150. Accordingly, the panel 120 and the backlight 140 are bonded together (fixed) more firmly. As a result, a positional deviation does not occur between the panel 120 and the backlight 140, that is to say, there is no clearance between the panel 120 and the backlight 140. This prevents light from leaking out.

Furthermore, an outer peripheral face of the frame 147 and the end face of the panel 120 are covered with the adhesive tape 150. Accordingly, the end face of the panel 120 is protected and impact resistance is improved.

In addition, the outer peripheral face of the frame 147 and the end face of the panel 120 are covered with the adhesive tape 150. This prevents dust, moisture, or the like from entering, and improves reliability.

As illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, with the display device 10 the optical sheets 144 to 146 are opposed to the adhesive tape 130, but the optical sheets 144 to 146 are not bonded to the adhesive tape 130. That is to say, there is clearance (space) between the optical sheets 144 to 146 and the adhesive tape 130. The optical sheets 144 to 146 are bonded to the panel 120, the light guide 141, and the like in the lower side portion (on the light source side) of the display device 10, but the optical sheets 144 to 146 are not bonded to the panel 120, the light guide 141, or the like in the three remaining side portions (right side, left side, and upper side portions) of the display device 10. As a result, the optical sheets 144 to 146 accommodate thermal expansion or contraction and the occurrence of a display degradation phenomenon, such as moire, is prevented. Furthermore, because the optical sheets 144 to 146 are opposed to the adhesive tape 130, end portions of the optical sheets 144 to 146 look better.

The description has been given on the assumption that each of the left side portion and the right side portion adjacent to the lower side portion of the display device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 in which the light source control FPC 143 is placed has the structure illustrated in FIG. 5A. However, the upper side portion of the display device 10 illustrated in FIG. 1 may also have the same structure as that of the section of the A-A portion.

(Modification 1)

Modification 1 will now be described by the use of FIGS. 6A and 6B. FIGS. 6A and 6B are fragmentary sectional views of modification 1 of the display device according to the first embodiment. Partial sections illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B correspond to the partial sections illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B respectively.

As illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, with a display device 10 a which is modification 1 of the display device 10 according to the first embodiment, the adhesive tape 130 used in the display device 10 is removed. Furthermore, there is no space between a polarizer 124 and an optical sheet 146. A backlight 140 and a panel 120 are fixed in a state in which the polarizer 124 is placed on the optical sheet 146.

Modification 1 of the display device 10 has been described. By removing the adhesive tape 130 in this way, the display device 10 a is made thinner than the display device 10. In addition, the display device 10 a having a narrow frame is realized.

With the display device 10 illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, usually a display area is set by setting a determined clearance inside an area situated over the adhesive tape 130 in planar view. With the display device 10 a illustrated in FIGS. 6A and 6B, on the other hand, the adhesive tape 130 is removed. Therefore, unlike the display device 10, there is no need to meet the following restriction. A display area is set inside an area situated over the adhesive tape 130.

As a result, with the display device 10 a the distance from a peripheral edge of a display screen 120 a of the panel 120 to a display area 120 b is short compared with the display device 10. Therefore, the display device 10 a having a narrow frame is realized.

With the display device 10 a the backlight 140 and the panel 120 are bonded together (fixed) with an adhesive tape 150. Accordingly, even if the adhesive tape 130 is removed, bonding strength (fixing strength) is ensured.

Of course it is understood that other functions and effects which are obtained by the situation described in the first embodiment and which are clear from the specification or which are conceivable by those skilled in the art according to circumstances are realized by the present disclosure.

(Modification 2)

Modification 2 will now be described by the use of FIG. 7. FIG. 7 is a fragmentary sectional view of modification 2 of the display device according to the first embodiment. A partial section illustrated in FIG. 7 corresponds to the partial section illustrated in FIG. 5A.

As illustrated in FIG. 7, with a display device 10 b which is modification 2 of the display device 10 according to the first embodiment, a long side 151 of an adhesive tape 150 includes a second bonding area 151 b. A portion of the second bonding area 151 b extending from end faces of a pair of substrates 121 and 122 is not bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 but extends. The display device 10 b may have a structure in which an end face of the second bonding area 151 b is leveled with a front surface of the upper substrate 121 or a structure in which an end face of the second bonding area 151 b is bonded to the end face of the upper substrate 121 in a position nearer to the lower substrate 122 than to the front surface of the upper substrate 121.

Modification 2 of the display device 10 has been described. Of course it is understood that other functions and effects which are obtained by the situation described in the first embodiment and which are clear from the specification or which are conceivable by those skilled in the art according to circumstances are realized by the present disclosure.

Second Embodiment

A second embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the disposition of an adhesive tape (position where an adhesive tape is placed). Description will now be given with importance attached especially to the differences between the first embodiment and a second embodiment. A second embodiment will be described concretely by the use of FIG. 8. FIG. 8 is a fragmentary sectional view of a display device according to a second embodiment. FIG. 8 illustrates a partial section of a display device according to a second embodiment corresponding to the partial section illustrated in FIG. 5A.

In order to simplify a figure, a partial section is illustrated, excluding a cover 100 and a bonding member 110. A section of a left side portion of a display device according to a second embodiment has the same bonding structure that a section of a right side portion of a display device according to a second embodiment has.

With a display device 10 c according to a second embodiment a frame 247 whose section has a simple shape, that is to say, whose inner periphery is flattened is used in place of the frame 147 which is used in the display device 10 according to the first embodiment and whose section has a complex shape. Furthermore, the frame 247 is placed in a state in which its inner periphery is opposed to an end face of a light guide 141 and end faces of optical sheets 144 to 146.

In addition, an adhesive tape 250 is used in place of the adhesive tape 150 used in the display device 10 according to the first embodiment. The adhesive tape 250 is a single-sided tape having adhesive force only on one face.

As illustrated in FIG. 8, a long side 251 of the adhesive tape 250 placed in the right side portion of the display device 10 c includes a first bonding area 251 a and a second bonding area 251 b. The first bonding area 251 a and the second bonding area 251 b are integrally formed. Furthermore, with the display device 10 c the first bonding area 251 a and the second bonding area 251 b are placed in regular positions by bending the long side 251 at the border between the first bonding area 251 a and the second bonding area 251 b. Positions where the first bonding area 251 a and the second bonding area 251 b are placed will now be described concretely.

The first bonding area 251 a is bonded to a rear surface of the reflector 148.

The second bonding area 251 b is bonded to the end face of the panel 120 and an outer peripheral face of the frame 247.

Furthermore, the second bonding area 251 b extends from end faces of a pair of substrates 121 and 122. A portion of the second bonding area 251 b extending from the end faces of the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122. In addition, an end face of the portion of the second bonding area 251 b bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is opposed to an end face of the polarizer 123. In this state, the portion of the second bonding area 251 b bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is bonded to a peripheral edge portion (portion not covered with a polarizer 123) of a front surface of the upper substrate 121.

The portion of the second bonding area 251 b bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is equal to or smaller than the polarizer 123 in thickness.

As has been described, with the display device 10 c the adhesive tape 250 is bonded to the rear surface of the reflector 148 and the outer peripheral face of the frame 247. As a result, restrictions on the shape of the frame 247 are reduced. Usually the width of a frame formed is set so as to ensure a bonding area which meet desired bonding strength. In the first embodiment, for example, the frame 147 is bonded to the panel 120 on the upper end side and is bonded to the reflector 148 on the lower end side. Accordingly, there is a need to form the frame 147 so as to make the area of an upper end face of the frame 147 larger than or equal to an area which meets bonding strength between the frame 147 and the panel 120 and so as to make the area of an lower end face of the frame 147 larger than or equal to an area which meets bonding strength between the frame 147 and the reflector 148.

In addition, with a display device usually a display area is set by setting a determined clearance inside an area situated over a frame in planar view. Accordingly, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, for example, in order to realize a narrow width (narrow frame) while ensuring a bonding area on each of the upper end face and the lower end face of the frame 147, the frame 147 is formed so as to have a stepped shape. That is to say, its lower portion protrudes out from its upper portion to an inner periphery side in a cross-sectional view.

With the display device 10 c, on the other hand, the adhesive tape 250 is bonded to the rear surface of the reflector 148 and the outer peripheral face of the frame 247. As a result, the frame 247 is formed so as to make the area of an upper end face of the frame 247 an area which meets bonding strength between the frame 247 and the panel 120. Accordingly, the frame 247 may be formed so as to have, for example, a rectangular shape (inner periphery is flattened) in a cross-sectional view as illustrated in FIG. 8.

As has been described, there are no restrictions on the area of a lower end face of the frame 247. As a result, with the display device 10 c the width of the frame 247 may be made smaller than that of the frame 147. Accordingly, a display device having a narrow frame is realized.

In addition, the first bonding area 251 a of the long side 251 of the adhesive tape 250 is bonded to the rear surface of the reflector 148. As a result, even if the first bonding area 251 a is situated on the inner periphery side of the frame 247 (in an area under a display area, for example) in planar view, the first bonding area 251 a does not exert influence on display. Accordingly, with the display device 10 c a bonding area between the first bonding area 251 a and the reflector 148 may be made large. This makes it difficult to peel the adhesive tape 250 from the reflector 148.

With the display device 10 c a backlight 140 a and the panel 120 are bonded together (fixed) with the adhesive tape 250. Therefore, as with modification 1 in the first embodiment, the display device 10 c having a narrow frame is realized by removing an adhesive tape 130. An upper side portion of the display device according to the second embodiment may also have the same structure as the right side portion illustrated in FIG. 8 has.

The second embodiment has been described. The same functions and effects are also obtained for matters in the second embodiment which are the same as those in the above first embodiment.

Furthermore, of course it is understood that other functions and effects which are obtained by the situation described in the second embodiment and which are clear from the specification or which are conceivable by those skilled in the art according to circumstances are realized by the present disclosure.

Third Embodiment

A third embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the disposition of an adhesive tape (position where an adhesive tape is placed) and the absence of a frame. Description will now be given with importance attached especially to the differences between the first embodiment and a third embodiment. A third embodiment will be described concretely by the use of FIG. 9. FIG. 9 is a fragmentary sectional view of a display device according to a third embodiment. FIG. 9 illustrates a partial section of a display device according to a third embodiment corresponding to the partial section illustrated in FIG. 5A.

In order to simplify a figure, a partial section is illustrated, excluding a cover 100 and a bonding member 110. A section of a left side portion of a display device according to a third embodiment has the same bonding structure that a section of a right side portion of a display device according to a third embodiment has.

With a backlight 140 b of a display device 10 d according to a third embodiment the frame 147 used in the display device 10 according to the first embodiment is removed. Furthermore, with the display device 10 d the adhesive tape 130 used in the display device 10 according to the first embodiment is removed. In addition, an adhesive tape 350 is used in place of the adhesive tape 150. The adhesive tape 350 is a single-sided tape having adhesive force only on one face. In addition, an end face of a panel 120 protrudes out from an end face of the backlight 140 b. As a result, there is a level difference between the end face of the panel 120 and the end face of the backlight 140 b.

As illustrated in FIG. 9, a long side 351 of the adhesive tape 350 placed in the right side portion of the display device 10 d includes a first bonding area 351 a and a second bonding area 351 b. The first bonding area 351 a and the second bonding area 351 b are integrally formed. Furthermore, with the display device 10 d the first bonding area 351 a and the second bonding area 351 b are placed in regular positions by bending the long side 351 at the border between the first bonding area 351 a and the second bonding area 351 b. Positions where the first bonding area 351 a and the second bonding area 351 b are placed will now be described concretely.

The first bonding area 351 a is placed on the rear surface side of a reflector 148 and is bonded to a rear surface of the reflector 148.

The second bonding area 351 b includes a bonding portion 351 b 1 on the panel side bonded to the end face of the panel 120, a bonding portion 351 b 2 on the light guide side bonded to an end face of a light guide 141, and a connection portion 351 b 3 which connects the bonding portion 351 b 1 and the bonding portion 351 b 2. Furthermore, the connection portion 351 b 3 is placed so as to fall from the bonding portion 351 b 1 to the bonding portion 351 b 2. As a result, the connection portion 351 b 3 covers the level difference between the end face of the panel 120 and the end face of the backlight 140 b. Furthermore, the connection portion 351 b 3 of the second bonding area 351 b is opposed to optical sheets 144 to 146 of the backlight 140 b and a polarizer 124 with a determined clearance (space) therebetween. In view of these respects, it is desirable to eliminate adhesive force from an inner face of the connection portion 351 b 3 opposed to the optical sheets 144 to 146 and the like. However, there may be cases where adhesive force is not eliminated from the inner face of the connection portion 351 b 3.

In addition, the second bonding area 351 b extends from end faces of a pair of substrates 121 and 122. A portion of the second bonding area 351 b is bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122. Furthermore, an end face of the portion of the second bonding area 351 b is opposed to an end face of the polarizer 123. In this state, the portion of the second bonding area 351 b bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is bonded to a peripheral edge portion (portion not covered with a polarizer 123) of a front surface of the upper substrate 121.

The portion of the second bonding area 351 b bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is equal to or smaller than the polarizer 123 in thickness.

As has been described, with the display device 10 d the adhesive tape 130 and the frame 147 used in the display device 10 according to the first embodiment are removed. Accordingly, when a display area is set, there is no need to meet the following restriction. A display area is set in planar view inside an area situated over the frame 147 or the adhesive tape 130. As a result, the distance from a peripheral edge of a display screen 120 a of the panel 120 to a display area 120 b is decreased. Therefore, a display device having a narrow frame is realized.

An upper side portion of the display device according to the third embodiment may also have the same structure as the right side portion illustrated in FIG. 9 has.

The third embodiment has been described. The same functions and effects are also obtained for matters in the third embodiment which are the same as those in each of the above embodiments.

Furthermore, of course it is understood that other functions and effects which are obtained by the situation described in the third embodiment and which are clear from the specification or which are conceivable by those skilled in the art according to circumstances are realized by the present disclosure.

Fourth Embodiment

A fourth embodiment differs from the first embodiment in the disposition of an adhesive tape (position where an adhesive tape is placed) and the presence of a case of a backlight. Description will now be given with importance attached especially to the differences between the first embodiment and a fourth embodiment. A fourth embodiment will be described concretely by the use of FIGS. 10A and 10B.

FIGS. 10A and 10B are fragmentary sectional views of a display device according to a fourth embodiment. FIG. 10A illustrates a partial section of a display device according to a fourth embodiment corresponding to the partial section illustrated in FIG. 5A. FIG. 10B illustrates a partial section of a display device according to a fourth embodiment corresponding to the partial section illustrated in FIG. 5B. In order to simplify figures, partial sections are illustrated, excluding a cover 100 and a bonding member 110.

A section of a left side portion of a display device according to a fourth embodiment has the same bonding structure that a section of a right side portion of a display device according to a fourth embodiment has.

With a display device 10 e according to a fourth embodiment a backlight 140 c includes a case 149. The case 149 includes a bottom 149 b over which various optical members are placed and a sidewall 149 a erected from a peripheral edge portion of the bottom 149 b in a position situated under a panel 120 in planar view. Furthermore, the adhesive tape 130 used in the display device 10 according to the first embodiment is removed. In addition, the frame 147 used in the display device 10 is removed. Moreover, a frame 347 is newly placed opposite an end face of a light guide 141 and end faces of optical sheets 144 to 146.

With the display device 10 e the frame 347 is bonded to a reflector 148 with an adhesive tape 160 placed between the frame 347 and the reflector 148. Furthermore, the frame 347 has a stepped shape (also referred to as an L shape). That is to say, its lower portion protrudes out from its upper portion to an inner periphery side in a cross-sectional view. In addition, a lower portion of the frame 347 is opposed to the end face of the light guide 141 and an upper portion of the frame 347 is opposed to the end faces of the optical sheets 144 to 146. The optical sheets 144 to 146 are placed so as to extend to a position where they are situated over the lower portion of the frame 347 in planar view.

Moreover, with the display device 10 e an adhesive tape 450 is used in place of the adhesive tape 150 used in the display device 10 according to the first embodiment. The adhesive tape 450 is a double-sided tape having adhesive force on both faces.

As illustrated in FIG. 10A, a long side 451 of the adhesive tape 450 placed in the right side portion of the display device 10 e extends through a space between the panel 120 and an end face of the sidewall 149 a opposed to the panel 120 to the inside of the case 149. The long side 451 of the adhesive tape 450 includes a first bonding area 451 a, a second bonding area 451 b, and a third bonding area 451 c. The first bonding area 451 a, the second bonding area 451 b, and the third bonding area 451 c are integrally formed. Furthermore, with the display device 10 e each bonding area of the long side 451 is placed in a regular position by bending the long side 451 at the borders between the bonding areas. A position where each bonding area is placed will now be described concretely.

The first bonding area 451 a is placed in a position opposite an inner peripheral face (inner wall face) of the sidewall 149 a of the case 149 and is bonded to the inner peripheral face.

Furthermore, the first bonding area 451 a is opposed to the end faces of the light guide 141 and the optical sheets 144 to 146 of the backlight 140 c with a determined clearance (space) therebetween. In view of this respect, it is desirable to eliminate adhesive force from a face of the first bonding area 451 a opposed to each component of the backlight 140 c. However, there may be cases where adhesive force is not eliminated from the face of the first bonding area 451 a opposed to each component of the backlight 140 c.

The second bonding area 451 b is placed between a polarizer 124 (panel 120) and the end face of the sidewall 149 a opposed to the polarizer 124, and bonds the panel 120 and the case 149 together. Accordingly, in order to ensure a bonding area (bonding strength), the polarizer 124 is placed in the right side portion of the display device 10 e so as to protrude out on the outer periphery side of a polarizer 123.

The third bonding area 451 c is placed in a position opposite an end face of the panel 120 and one face of the third bonding area 451 c is bonded to the end face of the panel 120. Furthermore, a base material 155 is bonded to the other face of the third bonding area 451 c in a position corresponding to the end face of the panel 120.

In addition, the third bonding area 451 c extends from end faces of a pair of substrates 121 and 122. A portion of the third bonding area 451 c is bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122. Furthermore, an end face of the portion of the third bonding area 451 c is opposed to an end face of the polarizer 123. In this state, the portion of the third bonding area 451 c bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is bonded to a peripheral edge portion (portion not covered with the polarizer 123) of a front surface of the upper substrate 121.

The portion of the third bonding area 451 c bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is equal to or smaller than the polarizer 123 in thickness.

As illustrated in FIG. 10B, on the other hand, a short side 452 of the adhesive tape 450 placed in the upper side portion of the display device 10 e extends through a space between the panel 120 and an end face of the sidewall 149 a opposed to the panel 120 to the inside of the case 149. The short side 452 includes a first bonding area 452 a and a second bonding area 452 b. The first bonding area 452 a and the second bonding area 452 b are integrally formed. Furthermore, with the display device 10 e the first bonding area 452 a and the second bonding area 452 b are placed in regular positions by bending the short side 452 at the border between the first bonding area 452 a and the second bonding area 452 b. Positions where the first bonding area 452 a and the second bonding area 452 b are placed will now be described concretely.

The first bonding area 452 a is placed between the polarizer 124 (panel 120) and an end face of the sidewall 149 a opposed to the polarizer 124, between the polarizer 124 and an end face of the frame 347 opposed to the polarizer 124, and between the polarizer 124 and the optical sheets 144 to 146. Furthermore, the first bonding area 452 a bonds together the polarizer 124 and the end faces of the sidewall 149 a and the frame 347 opposed to the polarizer 124. Accordingly, in order to ensure a bonding area (bonding strength), the polarizer 124 is placed in the upper side portion of the display device 10 e so as to protrude out on the outer periphery side of a polarizer 123.

The optical sheets 144 to 146 are opposed to the first bonding area 452 a, but the optical sheets 144 to 146 are not bonded to the first bonding area 452 a. That is to say, there is clearance (space) between the optical sheets 144 to 146 and the first bonding area 452 a. The optical sheets 144 to 146 are bonded to the panel 120, the light guide 141, and the like in the lower side portion (on the light source side) of the display device 10 e, but the optical sheets 144 to 146 are not bonded to the panel 120, the light guide 141, or the like in the three remaining side portions (right side, left side, and upper side portions) of the display device 10 e. As a result, the optical sheets 144 to 146 accommodate thermal expansion or thermal contraction and the occurrence of a display degradation phenomenon, such as moire, is prevented.

The second bonding area 452 b is placed in a position opposite an end face of the panel 120 and one face of the second bonding area 452 b is bonded to the end face of the panel 120. Furthermore, a base material 155 is bonded to the other face of the second bonding area 452 b in a position corresponding to the end face of the panel 120.

In addition, the second bonding area 452 b extends from end faces of the pair of substrates 121 and 122. A portion of the second bonding area 452 b is bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122. Furthermore, an end face of the portion of the second bonding area 452 b is opposed to an end face of the polarizer 123. In this state, the portion of the second bonding area 452 b bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is bonded to a peripheral edge portion (portion not covered with the polarizer 123) of the front surface of the upper substrate 121.

The portion of the second bonding area 452 b bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is equal to or smaller than the polarizer 123 in thickness.

As has been described, with the display device 10 e, the frame 147 and the adhesive tape 130 used in the display device 10 according to the first embodiment are removed and only the adhesive tape 450 is used for bonding (fixing) the panel 120 and the backlight 140 c together.

As a result, when a display area 120 b of the display device 10 e is set, there is no need to meet the following restriction. The display area 120 b is set in planar view inside an area situated over the frame 147 or the adhesive tape 130. Accordingly, the distance from a peripheral edge of a display screen 120 a to the display area 120 b is decreased. As a result, a display device having a narrow frame is realized.

In addition, as illustrated in FIGS. 5A and 5B, with the display device 10 according to the first embodiment the bonding area of the adhesive tape 130 is ensured in the width direction of the display device 10 (in the horizontal direction of FIG. 5A) in order to bond (fix) the panel 120 and the backlight 140 together with determined bonding strength. On the other hand, the bonding area of the adhesive tape 450 between the panel 120 and the backlight 140 c is ensured in the thickness direction of the display device 10 e (in the vertical direction of FIG. 10A) in the left or right side portion of the display device 10 e.

Because a bonding area is ensured in this way in the thickness direction of the display device 10 e, distance over which the adhesive tape 450 extends in planar view is reduced in the left or right side portion of the display device 10 e. As a result, a frame area narrows and a display device having a narrow frame is realized.

In addition, because the display device 10 e is housed in the case 149, the impact resistance of the backlight 140 c is improved.

The description has been given on the assumption that the upper side portion of the display device 10 e according to the fourth embodiment has the structure illustrated in FIG. 10B. However, the upper side portion of the display device 10 e according to the fourth embodiment may also have the same structure that is illustrated in FIG. 10A. Furthermore, the left or right side portion of the display device 10 e according to the fourth embodiment may have the same structure that is illustrated in FIG. 10B.

The fourth embodiment has been described. The same functions and effects are also obtained for matters in the fourth embodiment which are the same as those in each of the above embodiments.

Furthermore, of course it is understood that other functions and effects which are obtained by the situation described in the fourth embodiment and which are clear from the specification or which are conceivable by those skilled in the art according to circumstances are realized by the present disclosure.

Fifth Embodiment

A fifth embodiment differs from the fourth embodiment in that an adhesive tape is bonded to an outer peripheral face (outer wall face) of a case. Description will now be given with importance attached especially to the differences between the fourth embodiment and a fifth embodiment. A fifth embodiment will be described concretely by the use of FIG. 11.

FIG. 11 is a fragmentary sectional view of a display device according to a fifth embodiment. FIG. 11 illustrates a partial section of a display device according to a fifth embodiment corresponding to the partial section illustrated in FIG. 10A. In order to simplify a figure, a partial section is illustrated, excluding a cover 100 and a bonding member 110.

A section of a left side portion of a display device according to a fifth embodiment has the same bonding structure that a section of a right side portion of a display device according to a fifth embodiment has.

With a display device 10 f according to a fifth embodiment an adhesive tape 550 is used in place of the adhesive tape 450 used in the display device 10 e according to the fourth embodiment. The adhesive tape 550 is a single-sided tape having adhesive force only on one face.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, a long side 551 of the adhesive tape 550 placed in the right side portion of the display device 10 f includes a first bonding area 551 a.

The first bonding area 551 a is placed in a position opposite an end face of a panel 120 and an outer peripheral face of a sidewall 149 a of a case 149 and is bonded to the end face of the panel 120 and the outer peripheral face of the sidewall 149 a.

Furthermore, the first bonding area 551 a extends from end faces of a pair of substrates 121 and 122. A portion of the first bonding area 551 a is bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122. Furthermore, an end face of the portion of the first bonding area 551 a is opposed to an end face of the polarizer 123. In this state, the portion of the first bonding area 551 a bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is bonded to a peripheral edge portion (portion not covered with a polarizer 123) of a front surface of the upper substrate 121.

The portion of the first bonding area 551 a bent along the pair of substrates 121 and 122 is equal to or smaller than the polarizer 123 in thickness.

The first bonding area 551 a may extend downward from the outer peripheral face of the sidewall 149 a and a portion of the first bonding area 551 a extending from the outer peripheral face of the sidewall 149 a may be bent along the case 149 to place it on a face of a bottom 149 b of the case 149 opposite to a face on which a backlight 140 c is placed. By doing so, a bonding area between the adhesive tape 550 and the case 149 of the display device 10 f is increased. This makes it difficult to peel the adhesive tape 550 from the case 149. Even in this case, the adhesive tape 550 does not exert influence on display because the adhesive tape 550 is placed on the face of the bottom 149 b opposite to the face on which the backlight 140 c is placed.

An upper side portion of the display device 10 f according to the fifth embodiment may also have the same structure that is illustrated in FIG. 11.

The fifth embodiment has been described. The same functions and effects are also obtained for matters in the fifth embodiment which are the same as those in each of the above embodiments.

Furthermore, of course it is understood that other functions and effects which are obtained by the situation described in the fifth embodiment and which are clear from the specification or which are conceivable by those skilled in the art according to circumstances are realized by the present disclosure.

The display devices described in the above embodiments may be incorporated in various electronic apparatus such as smartphones, tablet terminals, portable telephones, notebook-sized PCs, portable game machines, electronic dictionaries, television sets, and car navigation systems.

All examples and conditional language provided herein are intended for the pedagogical purposes of aiding the reader in understanding the invention and the concepts contributed by the inventor to further the art, and are not to be construed as limitations to such specifically recited examples and conditions, nor does the organization of such examples in the specification relate to a showing of the superiority and inferiority of the invention. Although one or more embodiments of the present invention have been described in detail, it should be understood that various changes, substitutions, and alterations could be made hereto without departing from the spirit and scope of the invention. 

What is claimed is:
 1. A display device comprising: a panel having a first substrate, a second substrate facing the first substrate, and a liquid crystal layer therebetween, the first substrate having a first outer surface and a first side face, the second substrate having a second outer surface and a second side face flush with the first side face, the first side face and the second side face being included in a side face of the panel; a light unit disposed on the panel, the light unit including light sources, a circuit board for supplying drive signals to the light sources, and a light guide, and an adhesive tape having a pair of first sides one of which is along the circuit board and a pair of second sides which connect end portions of the pair of first sides, and having a light blocking property, wherein at least one of the second sides of the adhesive tape is bonded to the first outer surface and the side face of the panel continuously.
 2. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: a width of the pair of second sides is greater than a width of the pair of the first sides.
 3. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: the light unit further includes at least an optical sheet provided on the light guide.
 4. The display device according to claim 3, wherein: another adhesive bonds the light unit to the panel.
 5. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: the light unit further includes a frame surrounding the light guide, and a reflector disposed opposite the light guide and the frame.
 6. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: the second side of the adhesive tape covers a level difference between a side face of the panel including the first side end and the second side end and a third side face of the frame.
 7. The display device according to claim 6, wherein: the third side face of the frame projects laterally with the side face of the panel, the adhesive tape includes a connection portion extending from the side face of the panel to the third side face of the frame, and the connection portion is oblique corresponding the side face of the panel.
 8. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: the one of the first sides of the adhesive tape only bonds the frame to the reflector.
 9. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: both of the first sides of the adhesive tape only bond the frame to the reflector.
 10. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: a length of the second side is greater than a length of the first side.
 11. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: one of the first sides of the adhesive tape is bonded to the bottom face of the frame and the reflector therebetween.
 12. The display device according to claim 5, wherein: one of the first sides of the adhesive tape is bonded to a bottom face of the reflector.
 13. The display device according to claim 1, wherein: one of the second sides of the adhesive tape covers a side end of the panel from an end portion of the first surface of the first substrate to an end portion of the second surface of the second substrate. 